MADISON, WI – Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) offered the Democratic weekly radio address on Joint Finance Republicans’ refusal to take meaningful action on ensuring residents in communities across the state have access to clean drinking water.

“This week, Republicans on the budget writing Joint Finance Committee continued to dismantle the People’s Budget by blocking investments to ensure every Wisconsinite has access to clean drinking water.

“Every Wisconsinite should be able to drink clean water from their tap, yet, communities across Wisconsin are suffering from lead contaminated water.

“Families deserve access to safe drinking water and the reassurance that our state policies reflect a long-term commitment to safeguarding the quality health of our waterways.

“Earlier this year, Governor Evers announced 2019 as the ‘Year of Clean Drinking Water’ after years of Republican neglect and failure to address water contamination issues.

“My Democratic colleagues and I were pleased to see a state budget promote critical investments to address water quality in communities throughout the state.

“Sadly, Republicans refused to take meaningful action on a crisis that is poisoning Wisconsin children. On the Joint Finance Committee, Republicans have blocked every attempt to make meaningful investments to reduce the amount of children and families exposed to lead contaminated drinking water.

“In the ‘Year of Clean Drinking Water’ Wisconsin Democrats remain committed to strengthening clean water safeguards, supporting policies that guarantee the long-term sustainability of Wisconsin’s waterways, and protect the quality of clean drinking water in every corner of the state for future generations.”